Recent outbreaks of illnesses traced to contaminated sprouts and lettuce illustrate the holes that exist in the system for monitoring problems and preventing foodborne diseases. Although it is not solely responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration oversees monitoring and intervention for 80 percent of the food supply. Enhancing Food Safety: The Role of the Food and Drug Administration, a new report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, responds to a congressional request for recommendations on how to close gaps in FDA's food safety systems.
DETAILS
The report will be released at a one-hour public briefing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EDT Tuesday, June 8, in the Murrow Room of the National Press Club, 549 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Those unable to attend can listen to a live audio webcast and submit questions through a link available at www.national-academies.org. Advance copies of the report will be available to reporters only beginning at 10 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 7. THE REPORT IS EMBARGOED AND NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE BEFORE 10 A.M. EDT ON JUNE 8.
Source: National Academy of Sciences